Dogs Eyes Evolved So Humans Would Like Them More

Jun 22, 2019 by apost team

Sometimes a dog’s eyes really seem to communicate with you and it just so happens it may not be your imagination. Research has shown that dogs eyes have actually evolved over time. According to a study from The University of Portsmouth Dog Cognition Centre, 

The muscles around dogs’ eyes are changing and this allows them to show more emotion which can be quite appealing to humans and even manipulating at times.

One of the changes is in the facial muscles which allow for the dogs to mimic an expression that’s almost “infant-like”. This usually prompts a human to respond in a very nurturing way. The same study indicated that “puppy dog eyes” helped with dogs to bond and be domesticated alongside humans.

Other studies have also shown that their expressions appeal to humankind but the research study results that have been obtained from the US and UK shows us that this change is due to an anatomical change located in the dogs’ eye area which allows for the expressions to occur.

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Dogs are able to create more expression with their eyebrows. This makes an illusion of communication that is more human-like. When this type of communication occurs, it usually makes humans desire strongly to take care of and look after the dog.

This certain muscle movement allows for the dogs ‘eyes to appear bigger than normal which helps humans to relate them to the look of a sad infant.

Evidence shows that after dogs were domesticated from wolves they developed the facial muscle which allows them to raise the inner part of the eyebrow.

The study shows that this isn’t a conscious decision that humans are making when it comes to breeding dogs either. It’s a very appealing trait and gives the dogs quite an evolutionary advantage. Breeding with an “unconscious preference” is expected to go on for subsequent generations indefinitely.

The research conducted in the US and UK has shown that this change has taken thousands of years as the dogs have lived aside humans. It’s also shown that this change has taken place psychologically and also anatomically.

Previous research shows that when dogs use the “puppy dog eyes”, it’s only in the presence of humans. This indicates that it’s a deliberate behavior and has an intended purpose.

When it comes to evolution, this change has happened quite quickly. This is likely because it has enhanced the social interaction of the dogs to humans and is quite beneficial for them.

All of the findings show just how important facial expressions are and play a part in all of our lives whether we have two or four legs.

This is very interesting! Does your dog use puppy dog eyes on you? Let us know all about it in the comments below! Be sure and send this on to all of the dog lovers you know!